19 Amazing Hotels & Unique Places to Stay Around the World

Updated: October 2, 2026

I’ve stayed in many wonderful hotels, Airbnbs, and bed & breakfasts over the years, and today I’m sharing the absolute standouts. This list includes hotels and unique places to stay in Europe, the U.S., Mexico, and Morocco (in that order) and should suit most budgets.

Hotels + Unique Places to Stay

We’re not the type of travelers who spend that much time in our room, but we do love having a great place to check into. I always opt for the best-rated, best-located accommodation that money will allow. Which means I do a lot of research before I book. And if the place is unique, even better! So trust me when I say, you’ll enjoy any of these recommendations.

1. Hotel Thireas | Santorini, Greece

Hotel Thireas is in Fira, Santorini, and offers some of the island’s most stunning views. When I booked this stay, I made sure I had a view of the island’s best angles. I wanted it all, and Hotel Thireas delivered.

The rooms are modern and beautiful, the staff is friendly, and you get to enjoy a tasty breakfast from your balcony overlooking the sea and whitewashed town.

We visited on our anniversary, and they gave us a free upgrade, along with roses and champagne. Couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Check availability for Hotel Thireas here.

photo source: hotel.hotelthireas.gr

2. Dimora Del Podesta | Positano, Italy

Positano is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited. I knew that our B&B had to offer a way to take in all this beauty. Dimora Del Podesta was a perfect choice and quickly became one of my all-time favorite stays!

It’s a family-owned bed and breakfast located a little higher up in Positano. The owners and staff are all welcoming and helpful during your stay. I believe there are only 3 rooms, and each room has a balcony with a city/sea view.

Every morning they serve you a full breakfast on your balcony, and it’s nothing short of magical. Occasionally, the owners will check in to see how they can help make your stay and visit in Positano even more memorable. They surely go above and beyond. Check availability here.

Read More: Things to Do in Positano

3. Pax House | Dingle, Ireland

I always rave about Dingle for a good reason. Not only is this small town charming, but our stay in the Pax House B&B is one we’ll remember forever. I’m considering going back for a wedding anniversary and splurging on a room with a terrace this time.

But even if you go with a cheaper room, your stay here will be incredible. The lounge areas, as you see below, are open to the nature that surrounds you. The breakfast is made to order and caters to many dietary needs.

The hosts are kind, and the whole area is so peaceful. We took a walk into town after checking in and learned that our immediate neighbors were cows and sheep. That’s a perfect scene for a city girl like me. Check availability for the Pax House here.

Read More: 17 Small Towns to Visit in Europe

photos source: pax-house.com

4. Adria Boutique Hotel | London, England

The Adria Boutique Hotel is wonderful. It’s a traditional Victorian townhouse with modern touches and a facade worth photographing. Our room had the most comfortable bed, a rainfall showerhead, heated floors, free bottled water (stocked daily), plenty of space, and a great view.

Plus, their breakfast spread is impressive. I think it’s considered continental, but they offer a buffet of options including mini green juices, any coffee you’d like, fresh jams, the whole deal. The hotel is in the South Kensington district, a great area for your visit to London. Check availability here.

Read More: 4 Days in London

5. InterContinental Paris Le Grand | Paris, France

This is one of my favorite views and stays ever. Can you tell I have a lot of those? That’s why I’m writing this post. I want my research and experience to help you too!

If you are celebrating something special or can afford the splurge, InterContinental Paris is worth it. You will not regret the magic you’ll see from your balcony.

I was so grateful for the upgrade that they gave us. If you’re an IHG card member, you’ll have a better chance of getting an upgrade. Our room had not one but two balconies that offered views of the Eiffel Tower. What a dream!

At night, we stepped out and watched the Eiffel Tower light show from our balcony, and I was livin’ life. I’ll never forget that moment or that hotel. It’s well located too. Check availability here.

Read More: 48 Hours in Paris

photo source: ihg.com/intercontinental

6. Hotel San Cassiano – Residenza d’Epoca Ca’ Favaretto | Venice, Italy

This was the first hotel we stayed in for our honeymoon in 2011. It’s right on the Grand Canal, and we chose a room with a canal view.

The rooms are decorated in traditional Venetian style. They serve an excellent breakfast each morning, including hot items.

The breakfast room has a balcony where you can sit and enjoy your meal with a gorgeous view of the canal. I loved sitting there every morning watching the city wake up. You’ll see locals boating to work or school, and gondoliers starting their morning pickups. It’s an experience you have to have while in Venice. Click here for availability.

Read More: 2 Days in Venice

photos source: sancassiano.it

7. Carter’s Rest B&B | Isle of Skye, Scotland

Carter’s Rest B&B was a freakin’ dream to stay in! It’s one of those locations where time doesn’t matter, and all seems to stand still.

Carter’s Rest is located in Milovaig on the Isle of Skye, UK, several hours north of Edinburgh. They have about 3-4 rooms, an overall gorgeous home with insane views, and made-to-order breakfast every morning. The dining area has huge windows so you can take in your surroundings.

I also enjoyed the view from our room window. I could see the sheep grazing all day long. The next morning, I woke up and looked out the window to see that the sheep had been replaced by cows. I wish all animals had that freedom. I loved experiencing it.

This B&B is in a great area of the Isle of Skye. It’s peaceful and dark, so at night you can see the abundance of stars. Jorge tried to get a photo of the stars so we could show you, but he was shivering cold and almost crashed into a cow. Amazing.

Anyway, the B&B is within driving distance of many great stops in Skye, including the famous Neist Point Lighthouse. Check the latest prices here.

photo source: cartersrestskye.co.uk

8. Ballyseede Castle | County Kerry, Ireland

The beautiful Ballyseede Castle in County Kerry is a 4-star luxury castle hotel in Ireland. The castle is situated close to Tralee, on the famous Ring of Kerry. We did this drive from Dublin, and the castle was a delightful stop.

The hotel is steeped in history and offers 30 acres of private gardens and woodland. The rooms are decorated tastefully, the lounges are luxurious, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by one of their adorable dogs. Breakfast is normally included in your stay and served in one of their fancy dining rooms.

The best part is that the price doesn’t match the luxury offered. You can get a room for one or two without breaking the bank. Check the latest prices here. 

photos source: ballyseedecastle.com

9. Hotel Indigo Leicester Square | London, England

Another goodie in London. Hotel Indigo is located in the West End’s theatre district near Soho and Chinatown. We were close to everything, including the popular Regent Street. I’d say this is an ideal location if it is your first time visiting London.

The scene from our corner room was also fantastic. See the photo below.

They have a rooftop bar with an inspiring view of London. The location honestly can’t be beaten. The beds are super comfy, the decor is modern, the shower was great, and I’d stay again in a heartbeat. Check the latest prices here.

10. Salotto Borbonico Bed & Breakfast | Naples, Italy

A super friendly couple runs the place; it’s still rather new, and I think they have 4 guestrooms. What sold me were the room views! They offer a continental breakfast in the morning, which is enough since you’ll need to save room for pizza in Naples.

I could see so much of the city from my balcony alone. The B&B was clean, very affordable, and within walking distance to all the places you’d want to visit in the city. The area also felt safe. An excellent choice for Naples. Check availability here.

Read More: One Day in Naples

11. Royal Mile View Airbnb | Edinburgh, Scotland

This Airbnb in Edinburgh, Scotland is a great find! It’s a stylish apartment located right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s on the Royal Mile, so you can people-watch and sometimes hear bagpipes through your window during the day.

Since the bedroom is facing the back end of the street, you’ll have complete silence and a cool view of the Writer’s Museum (as shown below). The host is, of course, a superhost. Click here to book.

Read More: Edinburgh Itinerary

photos source: airbnb.com

12. Porto Pacific Apartment | Porto, Portugal

This apartment is located right on Rua das Flores in Porto, Portugal. The ideal location to explore what Porto has to offer. You’ll be within walking distance of all the good spots.

The host is again a superhost; I rarely book an Airbnb that doesn’t have a superhost. He was responsive, thoughtful, and even welcomed us with some pasteis de nata (a traditional Portuguese pastry).

The apartment is bright, well decorated, and has a balcony to enjoy a meal or some wine. It’s facing the back of Rua das Flores, so it’s quieter than expected. I also enjoyed the guest book he provided, where previous guests wrote recommendations for the city. We did try some of them!

If you’re visiting Porto, you won’t be disappointed with this wonderful Airbnb. Click here to book.

photos source: airbnb.com

13. Waldorf Astoria | Chicago, Illinois

The Waldorf Astoria is a French-inspired hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast, one of my favorite neighborhoods.

If you’re on the hunt for a hotel that has it all – great reviews, interior style, and a fireplace in the room (ultimate coziness during our brutal winters), then this would be it. The Waldorf Astoria also has a 14,000-square-foot spa, a cafe, a restaurant, and a bar.

Our room came with a terrace offering beautiful city views. I enjoyed photographing it at night or during the day. I also enjoyed catching the sunrise over the impressive skyscrapers from the comfort of our room. Click here to book.

Read More: Waldorf Astoria Stay

photo source: waldorfastoria.com

14. Angad Arts Hotel | St. Louis, Missouri

A recent favorite! The Angad is like an art gallery meets hotel. You can choose your room by the color of emotion. Your choices are passionate red, rejuvenating green, happy yellow, or tranquil blue.

The concept is fun, and the design is brilliant. They’ve thought of every detail. I loved our room, and it makes me want to go back and stay in all the different colors. The hotel has a rooftop with city views, including the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Click here for the latest prices and booking.

Read More: St. Louis Getaway

15. Airbnb Guesthouse | Los Angeles, California

I don’t know how such a simple Airbnb left such an impression on us, but our stay in LA was perfect. This guesthouse, located in historic West Adams/Jefferson Park, was a great choice. It’s right smack in the middle of all the main areas you will want to visit on your first trip to LA.

LA is huge, spread out, and not public transportation-friendly, so you’ll need to rent a car. This guesthouse offers plenty of free street parking. We also easily avoided the dreaded LA traffic on the highways by taking nearby side streets.

The area is safe, and Jorge very much enjoyed his morning runs on the streets lined with palm trees. The guesthouse was spotless, well decorated, and had the friendliest superhost. Besides the birds chirping like crazy at night, it was quiet and peaceful. Book your stay here.

Read More: 3 Days in Los Angeles

photos source: airbnb.com

16. Tamarack Lodge | Traverse City, Michigan 

The Tamarack sits right on the beach in northern Michigan. Each suite has a full kitchen, fireplace, and balcony offering unparalleled scenic views of the bay.

The suite’s decor makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere in a faraway cabin. I wanted to move in!

The lodge offers tons of activities year-round, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Free parking is also available, and you’ll be within driving distance of downtown Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula. I’m already planning my return! Click here to book your Tamarack Lodge stay.

Read More: Traverse City Fall Colors

photo source: tamaracklodgetc.com

17. Holiday Music Motel | Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Holiday Music Motel is a quirky motel situated near Door County, Wisconsin. We stayed there when doing a beautiful fall drive one October. I don’t normally book motels, but Holiday Music is so well-reviewed, seemed unique, and was affordable for the season.

Once we arrived, I was more than pleased with my choice. We had free parking, and our room was immaculate; I was shocked considering it’s a motel. However, you can tell that they pay attention to details. It’s a quirky little place with 1950s decor in all the rooms and lobby. I was honestly loving it!

The kitchen area, where they offer continental breakfast every morning, looked like a 50s diner; even the dishes fit the era. The breakfast (included in the price) had cereals, yogurts, fresh doughnuts and muffins, orange juice, coffee, teas, etc. It was a great deal and a great base for our drive. Check availability here.

Read More: Fall Colors in Door County

18. Hotel Huitzilin | Coahuila, Mexico

Another unique place to stay is in the small town of Arteaga, Coahuila, Mexico. You’ll be surrounded by mountains, nature, and quiet that you’ll appreciate if you’re used to big city life. You’ll also get to experience the farm animals singing their favorite tune for you every morning.

The hotel grounds are colorful and decorated with a traditional Mexican flair. They also have an on-site restaurant, and the food was incredible! You can choose from several traditional dishes, and we loved everything we ordered.

Hotel Huitzilin is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. They do have someone on staff who speaks English.

Read More: A Unique Stay in Mexico

19. Kam Kam Dunes Luxury Camp | Sahara Desert, Morocco

I wrote a long ol’ post on how much I cherished my stay at Kam Kam Dunes. If you are planning a trip to the Sahara Desert, this is definitely where you’ll want to book.

Kam Kam Dunes is considered a luxury camp. It is more along the lines of “glamping” than camping. There’s no roughing it here.

They have a gorgeous setup for their guests. The bed was comfortable, I felt safe, there were no bugs to be seen, and we never ran out of hot water! What more can you ask for in the desert?!

Your stay includes a private tent, breakfast and dinner, a camel ride for sunrise or sunset, and live (memorable) entertainment after dinner.

Depending on the package you choose, they will also pick you up from either Marrakech or Fes and bring you to the camp. It’s worth every penny. Click here for the latest prices.

Read More: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp

 

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